KATHMANDU: Due to a sudden surge of viral fever, dengue, and scrub typhus patients, Khandbari Hospital in Sankhuwasabha is experiencing a severe shortage of beds. The cases increased sharply from the middle of July, as the pressure began to build up at the hospital, and it was compelled to use the hall and an open area for treating patients.

Information officer Shekhar Khatri reported a significant rise in both viral fever and dengue cases. The hospital has recorded 160 cases of scrub typhus and 7 cases of dengue since Baisakh (April-May). Last fiscal year, it documented 1,144 dengue cases and 520 cases of scrub typhus. Established in 2033 BS, the hospital has a 50-bed capacity and serves patients from 10 local levels in Sankhuwasabha and parts of Bhojpur.